Prevention Educator

Title: Overdose Prevention Educator

Department: Harm Reduction Services

Reports To: Director, Harm Reduction

Location: 166 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

Position Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate/Benefits: $41,600.00 – $48,000.00 annually, commensurate with qualifications; excellent comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off benefits (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, sick time), medical, dental, and vision plan options, employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment, a retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more!

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – the poor and working poor, low income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Overdose Prevention Educator is part of the Harm Reduction/Behavioral Health Department which offers support for people with a history of substance use from a harm reduction model. The Educator is responsible for providing opioid overdose prevention and response interventions. They will train staff, clients, and the community on how to administer naloxone. They will also be responsible for distributing naloxone on demand to high-risk individuals and their networks. The Educator will help coordinate innovative service delivery models to engage underserved communities in overdose prevention and other harm reduction services, including car-based service delivery and outreach to commercial establishments. The Educator will work with volunteer peers to coordinate outreach in the community to provide Harm Reduction education and supplies.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delivers and schedules the train the trainer sessions to increase the agency’s capacity to ensure naloxone provision on demand.
• Collaborates with Program Director and Associate Vice President of Harm Reduction on any periodic update of program policies and procedures for naloxone training, distribution, and quality assurance.
• Provides direct training to groups and individuals on overdose risk reduction and naloxone administration.
• Conducts car-based service delivery including syringe exchange, harm reduction supplies, education and counseling, naloxone training, services linkage and navigation assistance.
• Ensures timely and accurate collection, tracking, and submission of all required data for internal performance management, regulatory compliance, and external reporting.
• Continues the ongoing partnership with Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness (SIPCW) to provide commercial establishments with overdose risk information targeting staff and patrons and naloxone for use with onsite overdoses.
• Performs HIV/HCV testing and referral.
• Attends regular and mandatory team, department meetings, trainings, and contractor-facilitated provider meetings.
• Performs all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 1 year of demonstrated experience with Harm Reduction, syringe exchange, street outreach, community organizing, and/or community health education required. Certification as an AIDS Institute Peer Worker, Recovery Coach, or peer Specialist a plus.
• High school diploma or its equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience skill in group presentation and training, with prior naloxone training experience preferred.
• Experience in working with persons who use drugs and with culturally diverse populations strongly preferred.
• Conversant with Harm Reduction practices, philosophy, and interventions preferred. Previous experience in trauma informed care preferred.
• The ideal candidate will be a problem solver, creative and culturally sensitive to diverse needs of community. Teamwork and the ability to work with others is essential. Ability to carry out both independent and collaborative responsibilities.
• Computer literacy including demonstrated proficiency in the use of Office computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and internet navigation.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency a plus.
• Effective oral & written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to multiple and changing priorities.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. 

People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.